Fiberoptic connector assembly and method and device for the manufacture thereof

ABSTRACT

A fiberoptic connector assembly which includes an optical fiber that is engaged within a fiberoptic connector. The fiberoptic connector includes a metal core having a malleable external tip. The tip is deformed by physical contact during the manufacturing process, whereby the optical fiber is held within the fiberoptic connector by mechanical frictional engagement with the deformed portion of the tip. The manufacturing device includes a holder for holding the fiberoptic connector with the optical fiber disposed therewithin. A mechanical spring-loaded punch is utilized to make physical contact with the malleable tip of the fiberoptic connector to deform the tip upon physical contact with the punch. Also disclosed is the method that is utilized for manufacturing the fiberoptic connector assembly.

This Application is a continuation-in-part of our earlier filed U.S.application Ser. No. 07/429,445, filed Oct. 31, 1989, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to fiberoptic connectors and todevices for joining connectors to the ends of optical fibers, and moreparticularly to a fiberoptic connector assembly and to a device whichswages the metallic core of a fiberoptic connector around an opticalfiber to join the connector and optical fiber together.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

A fiberoptic connector assembly includes a fiberoptic connector that isengaged to the end of an optical fiber. In the prior art, the engagementis generally achieved through the utilization of an adhesive, such asepoxy, to hold the optical fiber within the optical fiber bore of thefiberoptic connector. A disadvantage of such prior art connectionmethods is that the engagement process is time consuming while waitingfor the epoxy to harden and the optical fiber can be non-centrallydisposed within the optical fiber bore. Following the curing of theepoxy adhesive, the rearward end of such prior art assemblies may becrimped, such that a portion of the fiberoptic connector is mechanicallyengaged to a rearwardly projecting portion of the optical fiber.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a fiberopticconnector assembly device that joins a connector and optical fibertogether without the use of liquid adhesives such as epoxy.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a fiberopticconnector assembly device that joins a connector to an optical fiberquickly and inexpensively.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fiberopticconnector assembly device that uniformly swages the metal core of aconnector around an optical fiber to join the connector and opticalfiber together.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide afiberoptic connector assembly, including a fiberoptic connector havingan optical fiber engaged therewithin, wherein the optical fiber isfrictionally engaged within the fiber bore of the fiberoptic connector.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a methodfor the manufacturing of a fiberoptic connector assembly that may beaccomplished in a relatively short time period.

The fiberoptic connector assembly of the present invention includes afiberoptic connector having an optical fiber disposed therewithin. Thefiberoptic connector includes a mechanically deformable portion disposedproximate the tip of the fiberoptic connector. The deformable portion isswaged by a suitable tool to mechanically deform the deformable portionsuch that the optical fiber is frictionally engaged within thefiberoptic connector.

The method for manufacturing the fiberoptic connector assembly includesthe steps of inserting the optical fiber into a fiberoptic connectorhaving a mechanically deformable portion and then deforming saidmechanically deformable portion to functionally engage the optical fiberwithin the fiber bore of the fiberoptic connector. In a preferredembodiment, the deformable portion is radially symmetrically deformed,such that the optical fiber is centrally disposed within the bore of thes fiberoptic connector.

The fiberoptic connector assembly device includes a frame with aconnector holder for the releaseable engagement of a fiberopticconnector having an optical fiber disposed therewithin. A spring loadedpunch is slidably engaged upon two rails in alignment with the tip ofthe fiberoptic connector. A bore, having a cone shaped opening, isformed in the nose of the punch to impact and shape the metal core ofthe connector. Upon activating the punch, the tip of the metal core ofthe connector is uniformly deformed around the optical fiber residingwithin the bore of the connector, such that the optical fiber isfrictionally engaged and centrally disposed within the tip of theconnector.

It is an advantage of the present invention that it provides afiberoptic connector assembly device that joins a connector and opticalfiber together without the use of liquid adhesives such as epoxy.

It is another advantage of the present invention that it provides afiberoptic connector assembly device that joins a connector to anoptical fiber quickly and inexpensively.

It is a further advantage of the present invention that it provides afiberoptic connector assembly device that uniformly swages the metalcore of a connector around an optical fiber to join the connector andoptical fiber together.

It is yet another advantage of the present invention that it provides afiberoptic connector assembly, including a fiberoptic connector havingan optical fiber engaged therewithin, wherein the optical fiber isfrictionally engaged within the fiber bore of the fiberoptic connector.

It is yet a further advantage of the present invention that it providesa method for the manufacturing of a fiberoptic connector assembly thatmay be accomplished in a relatively short time period.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following detailed descriptionof the preferred embodiments which make reference to the several figuresof the drawing.

IN THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the fiberoptic connector assembly deviceof the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the device depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of the device depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the device depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention showing aconnector with optical fiber disposed therewithin, in loading position:

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the present invention depicting a connectorin position for assembly upon an optical fiber;

FIG. 7 is a close up view, with cutaway portions, of the tip of theconnector, as depicted in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view, with cutaway sections, of afiberoptic connector assembly of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As depicted in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the fiberoptic connector assemblydevice 10 includes a frame 12 having a generally rectangular base 14, afirst generally rectangular side piece 16 which projects upwardly from afirst shorter end of the base 14, and a second generally rectangularside piece 18 which projects upwardly from the other short end of thebase 14 opposite the first end. Two rails 30 and 32 are disposed in aparallel relationship between the end members 16 and 18, such that therails 30 and 32 are parallel to the surface of the base member 14 anddisplaced upwardly from the base 14. In the preferred embodiment, therails 30 and 32 are cylindrical members that project through engagementholes 33 formed in the side members 16 and 18. In the preferredembodiment the rails 30 and 32 are slidably engaged within the holes 33formed through the sides 16 and 18 utilizing a circlip 34 which residesin a groove 36 formed in the outer end of each rail 30 and 32, and acotter pin 38, engaged in a pin bore 40 formed through each rail 30 and32 proximate the inner side of side member 18, see FIGS. 2 and 4.

A spring loaded punch 50 is releasably engaged within a punch engagementslide 52. The punch engagement slide 52 includes a generally rectangularbody 54 having two bores 56 and 58 formed therein in parallel axialalignment with the rails 30 and 32 respectively. It is therefore to beunderstood that the punch holding device 52 is slidably engaged upon therails 30 and 32. The punch 50 is releasably held within a bore 60 thatis formed through the body 54 in a parallel axial alignment with thebores 56 and 58. In the preferred embodiment the releasable engagementof the punch 50 within the body 54 is accomplished utilizing a removablepunch engagement member 70 that is engaged with the body 54 utilizingtwo engagement screws 72. The lower surface of the member 70 is disposedto intersect the bore 60, such that the removal of the member 70 willpermit the punch 50 to be removed from the bore 60.

A generally rectangular fiberoptic connector alignment holder 80 ispivotally engaged between the rails 30 and 32 in a generally parallelrelationship to the punch holder 52 and the side member 16. A bore 82 isformed through the holder 80 in axial alignment with bore 58, such thatrail 32 projects through the bore 82 and the holder 80 is slidably andpivotally engaged with the rail 32. A slot 84 is formed through theholder 80 proximate the intersection of holder 80 with rail 30, suchthat the inner end 86 of the slot 84 slidably engages the rail 30. It istherefore to be understood that the holder 80 is pivotally engagedbetween the rails 30 and 32 through the engagement . .o.!. .Iadd.of rail.Iaddend.32 within the bore 82. A fiberoptic connector alignment bore 90is formed through the holder 80 in axial alignment with the impact nose92 of the punch 50. The bore 90 serves to hold i and align the tip of afiberoptic connector for assembly with an optical fiber as is discussedin detail hereinbelow.

A narrow optical fiber holding slot 100 is formed downwardly through thetop surface of the side member 16 in axial alignment with the bore 90.The slot 100 is formed with a width sufficient to hold an optical fiberand a rearwardly projecting metallic core of a connector if such ispresent in the connector device. However, the width of the slot 100 isless than the diameter of the rearward end of the connector, such that aconnector will properly reside within the assembly device as is shownand described in detail hereinafter. In the preferred embodiment, theslot 100 is significantly widened at its upper end 102 to facilitate theinsertion of a connector with an engaged optical fiber within thedevice.

In the preferred embodiment, a cylindrical spacer 110, having a bore 112formed therethrough for the slidable engagement of the spacer 110 uponrail 32, is engaged between the side member 16 and the connectoralignment holder 80. The thickness of the spacer 110 is related to thelength of a connector which is to be assembled utilizing the device, asis hereinbelow discussed.

In the preferred embodiment, a punch retractor coil spring 120 isaxially mounted upon each rail 30 and 32 between the punch mountingslide 52 and the connector alignment holder 80. The coil spring 120serve to provide a retraction force to the punch 50 during assemblyoperations, as is discussed hereinbelow. To facilitate the operation ofthe punch 50, a push rod 130 is slidably mounted through a push rod bore132 formed through the side member 18 in axial alignment with the punch50 and side rails 30 and 32. The push rod 130 is axially aligned withthe rearward end 134 of the punch 50 to apply an axial force to thepunch 50. In the preferred embodiment, a lever arm 136 is pivotallyengaged to the distal end 138 of the push rod 130 through arm members140 that are engaged to a vertically extending rod 142 that is engagedto the side member 18. A handle knob 150 is engaged to the upper end ofthe lever arm 136 for hand activation of the push rod 130 as isdiscussed hereinafter. The operation of the device is next discussedwith the aid of FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8.

The pivotally mounted connector holder 80 is shown in its upwardlypivoted orientation (see arrow 160) in FIG. 5. In this upwardly pivotedorientation, a fiberoptic connector 162 is inserted into the alignmentbore 90 from the outboard side of the holder 80, such that the forwardtip 164 of the connector 162 projects through the hole 90. The connector162 includes a metallic, tubular core 166 and an optical fiber 168 isdisposed in the central bore of the core 166. As is best seen in FIGS.6, 7 and 8, a small portion 170 of the metallic core 166 projectoutwardly from the front tip 164 of the connector 162. After theconnector 162 has been inserted in the alignment hole 190, the holder 80is pivotally lowered to its connector assembly position, as depicted inFIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the present invention showing a connector162 in position for assembly. It is to be understood that the connectorholder 80 has been pivotally lowered to its assembly position. Therearwardly projecting optical fiber 168 and the rearward portion of themetallic core 166 reside within the narrow slot 100 formed in the sidemember 16. The rearward end 180 of the housing of the connector 162abuts against the inner surface 182 of the side 16, and forward portionsof the housing of the connector 162 project through the alignment hole90, such that the tip 164 of the connector 162 projects outwardly of theholder 80. The spacer 110 is disposed between the holder 80 and theinner surface 182 of the side 16 to maintain an appropriate spacing thatfacilitates the loading of connectors into the mounting hole 90 and slot100 during the pivotal lowering of the holder 80.

After the holder 80 with its engaged connector 162 as been pivotallylowered into the assembly position, the punch 50 is slid forward alongthe rails 30 and 32 towards the holder 80. The sliding movement isaccomplished by the axial manipulation of the push rod 130 by the leverarm 136 upon the users manipulation of the handle 150.

After the nose 92 of the punch 50 has made contact with the tip 164 ofthe connector 162, such that the rearward end 180 of the connector 162is butted against the surface 182 of the side 16, continued axialpressure from the push rod 130 causes the compression of a spring (notshown) within the punch 50. The spring is adjustably calibrated suchthat a selectable amount of axial force must be applied to the punchbefore it releases. Spring loaded punches such as this are well known inthe art; however, such prior art punches are not known to have coneshaped orifices as is next described.

As is depicted in FIG. 6, the nose 92 of the punch 50 has been broughtforward to make contact with the projecting portion 170 of the metalcore 166. FIG. 7 depicts an enlarged view of the assembly interfacebetween the nose 92 of the punch 50 and the tip 164 of the connector162. As is seen with the aid of FIGS. 6 and 7, an optical fiber bore 190is axially disposed within the nose 92 of the punch 50. The depth of thebore 190 is sufficient to hold a projecting length 192 of the opticalfiber 168 that projects forwardly from the tip 164 of the connector 162.The outer opening 196 of the bore 190 is tapered outwardly, to form acone shaped opening to the bore 190 proximate the face 198 of the nose92 of the punch 50. As is depicted in FIG. 7, the diameter of the coneshaped opening 196 at its outer end 200 is greater than the diameter ofthe extending tip 170 of the metallic core 166, whereas the inner end202 of the cone shaped opening 196 has a diameter that is less than thediameter of the projecting metallic tip 170. It is therefore to beunderstood that when the punch 50 is activated laterally (see arrow 204)that the inwardly tapering surface of the opening 196 will cause theprojecting metallic tip 170 to be uniformly deformed inwardly tosurround and frictionally engage the surface of the optical fiber 168disposed within the metallic core 170.

FIG. 8 depicts the fiberoptic connector assembly of the presentinvention following the assembly operations. As depicted therein, theouter surface 210 of the metallic core tip 170 has been deformed by theimpact of the tapered opening 196 of the punch 50. The inner surface 212of the metallic tip 170 has been compressed to make frictionalengagement with the outer surface of the optical fiber 168 in the areaproximate the outer deformation 210 of the metallic tip 170. In aseparate process, the projecting portion 192 of the optical fiber 168has been cleaved at its exit point to create an optical fiber 168 havinga connector 164 engaged to the tip thereof.

To provide increased mechanical engagement of the optical fiber 168 withthe connector 162, the rearward projecting end 220 of the metallic core166 may be crimped 222 about the fiber. Alternatively or additionally, ametal sleeve 230 may be inserted over the projecting end 220 of themetallic core 166, and the sleeve 230 may hold both the optical fiber168 and the buffer or jacket 232 of the optical fiber therewithin. Thesleeve 230 is then crimped 240 to provide a firm rearward engagement ofthe optical fiber with the fiberoptic connector.

As is known to those skilled in the art, there exists a plurality ofconnector configurations, each having uniquely defined dimensions, suchas length, tip diameter, etc. Thus, for various types of such connectorthe length of the spacer 110, the diameter of the connector alignmentbore 90 and the thickness of the holder 80 may all be adapted to thedimensions of the various connectors. Additionally, the dimensions ofthe cone shaped opening 196 may also require modification to adapt thepunch to the dimensions of the metallic core of a particular connector.All such variations and modifications are within the contemplation ofthe invention.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference toparticular preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilledin the art that various alterations and modifications in form and detailmay be made therein. Accordingly, it is intended that the followingclaims cover all such alterations and modifications as may fail withinthe true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for assembling a fiberoptic connectorand an optical fiber, comprising:constructing a fiberoptic connectorsuch that it includes an optical fiber bore and a mechanicallydeformable portion disposed proximate said optical fiber bore; insertingan optical fiber into said bore, such that portions of said opticalfiber are disposed adjacent said deformable portion of said fiberopticconnector; mechanically deforming said deformable portion such that saidoptical fiber .Iadd.thereby .Iaddend.becomes frictionally engaged withinsaid fiberoptic connector. ...!..Iadd.; and wherein the deformableportion comprises a metal, and wherein the deformable portion issubstantially uniformly swaged around a portion of the optical fiber,thereby frictionally adhering the deformable portion and the portion ofoptical fiber together.Iaddend..
 2. A method for assembling a fiberopticconnector and an optical fiber as described in claim 1 further includingthe steps of symmetrically deforming said deformable portion, such thatsaid optical fiber is held in a centrally disposed orientation relativeto said bore of said fiberoptic connector.
 3. A method for assembling afiberoptic connector and an optical fiber as described in claim 2,further including the steps of crimping a rearwardly projecting portionof said fiberoptic connector about said optical fiber to mechanicallyengage said optical fiber therewithin.
 4. A method for assembling afiberoptic connector and an optical fiber as described in claim 2further including the steps of inserting a sleeve member around rearwardportions of said fiberoptic connector, such that said sleeve portionalso surrounds portions of said optical fiber; andcrimping said sleevemember about said rearwardly disposed portions of said fiberopticconnector and about said portions of said optical fiber to mechanicallyjoin said optical fiber to said rearward portions of said fiberopticconnector.
 5. A fiberoptic connector assembly device for connecting afiberoptic connector to an optical fiber comprising:a support means,said support means including a fiberoptic connector holding means beingengaged thereto; a connector engagement means, said connector engagementmeans being engaged to said support means and functioning to effect theconnection of said fiberoptic connector to said optical fiber; movementmeans, said movement means being engaged to said support means andoperable to cause said connector engagement means to make physicalcontact with said fiberoptic connector, whereby said connectorengagement means will cause portions of said fiberoptic connector tobecome deformed upon said physical contact such that said optical fiberwill become functionally engaged within said fiberoptic connector; andwherein said fiberoptic connector holding means is pivotally engaged toportions of said support means.
 6. A fiberoptic connector assemblydevice for effecting the frictional engagement of an optical fiberwithin a fiberoptic connector, wherein said fiberoptic connectorincludes a deformable portion that may be mechanically deformed tofrictionally engage said optical fiber therewithin, comprising:supportmeans. .;.!..Iadd., wherein said support means includes a base memberand first and second opposing side members, said first and second sidemembers being fixedly engaged to said base member; said support meansincluding two rail members being engaged between said side members in agenerally parallel relationship; connector engagement means supportmember, said connector engagement means support member being slidablyengaged to said rail members and operating to hold said connectorengagement means between said rail members; .Iaddend. fiberopticconnector holding means for holding said fiberoptic connector and anoptical fiber disposed therewithin during assembly. .;.!..Iadd., saidfiberoptic connector holding means being pivotally engaged to one ofsaid rail members and having a connector holding bore formedtherethrough in generally parallel relationship to said rail members,whereby said fiberoptic connector is held for assembly between said railmembers; said fiberoptic connector holding means being disposed in aspaced apart relationship relative to said first side member; an opticalfiber slot being formed through portions of said first side member, saidoptical fiber slot being formed in axial alignment with said connectorholding bore, such that an engagement end of said fiberoptic connectorwill project through said connector holding bore of said fiberopticconnector holding means, and a rearward end of said fiberoptic connectorwill butt against portions of said first side member proximate saidoptical fiber slot, and said optical fiber disposed within saidfiberoptic connector will project through said slot; .Iaddend. connectorengagement means, said connector engagement means being engaged toportions of said support means; movement means, said movement meansbeing engaged to portions of said support means and operable to causesaid connector engagement means to make physical connect with saiddeformable portion of said fiberoptic connector, whereby said deformableportion of said fiberoptic connector will become mechanically deformedproximate said optical fiber upon the occurrence of said physicalcontact, such that said optical fiber will become frictionally engagedwithin said fiberoptic connector. ...!..Iadd.; and said movement meansbeing engaged to said second side member, said movement means includinga pushing means operable to push said connector engagement means towardssaid fiberoptic connector holding means.Iaddend.. . .7. A fiberopticconnector assembly device as described in claim 6 wherein said supportmeans includes a base member and first and second opposing side members,said first and second side members being fixedly engaged to said basemember; said support means including two rail members, said rail membersbeing engaged between said side members in a generally parallelrelationship; connector engagement means support member, said connectorengagement means support member being slidably engaged to said railmembers and operating to hold said connector engagement means betweensaid rail members; said fiberoptic connector holding means beingpivotally engaged to one of said rail members and having a connectorholding bore formed therethrough in generally parallel relationship tosaid rail members, whereby said fiberoptic connector is held forassembly between said rail members; said fiberoptic connector holdingmeans being disposed in a spaced apart relationship relative to saidfirst side member an optical fiber slot being formed through portions ofsaid first side member, said optical fiber slot being formed inalignment with said connector holding bore, such that an engagement endof said fiberoptic connector will project through said connector holdingbore of said fiberoptic connector holding means, and a rearward end ofsaid fiberoptic connector will butt against portions of said first sidemember proximate said optical fiber slot, and said optical fiberdisposed within said fiberoptic connector will project through saidslot; said movement means being engaged to said second side member, saidmovement means including a pushing means operable to push said connectorengagement means towards said fiberoptic connector holding means..!.8. Afiberoptic connector assembly device as described in claim . .7.!..Iadd.6 .Iaddend.wherein said connector engagement means includes aspring loaded punch means, said punch means having an impact nosedisposed for making contact with said fiberoptic connector tomechanically deform said deformable portion of said fiberopticconnector.
 9. A fiberoptic connector assembly device as described inclaim 8 wherein said nose portion of said punch means includes aconnector deformation bore formed therein.
 10. A fiberoptic connectorassembly device as described in claim 9 wherein said connectordeformation bore includes a conical portion, said conical portion beingdisposed to make contact with said deformable portion of said fiberopticconnector, whereby said deformable portion of said fiberoptic connectorwill be uniformly deformed about said optical fiber, such that saidoptical fiber will become frictionally engaged in a centrally disposedorientation relative to said fiberoptic connector.
 11. A fiberopticconnector assembly, comprising:a fiberoptic connector, said fiberopticconnector including an axial optical fiber bore being formedtherethrough; said fiberoptic connector having at least one mechanicallydeformable portion disposed proximate said optical fiber bore; anoptical fiber being disposed within said optical fiber bore; saidmechanically deformable portion being deformed adjacent said opticalfiber, such that segments of said deformable portion are frictionallyengaged to said optical fiber to hold said optical fiber within saidfiberoptic connector. ...!..Iadd.; wherein the deformable portioncomprises a metal, and wherein the deformable portion is substantiallyuniformly swaged around a portion of the optical fiber, therebyfrictionally adhering the deformable portion and the portion of opticalfiber together.Iaddend..
 12. A fiberoptic connector assembly asdescribed in claim 11 wherein said deformable portion includes ametallic member forming portions of said optical fiber bore.
 13. Afiberoptic connector assembly as described in claim 11 wherein saidfiberoptic connector includes a generally tubular metallic core memberbeing disposed within said fiberoptic connector and forming said opticalfiber bore;said fiberoptic connector also including a housing portionbeing disposed to surround and engage said core member; a tip portion ofsaid core member projecting forwardly from said housing member; anoptical fiber being disposed within said optical fiber bore andprojecting to said tip portion; said tip portion being deformed aboutsaid optical fiber to frictionally engage said optical fiber.
 14. Afiberoptic connector assembly device as described in claim 13 whereinsaid tip . .potion.!. .Iadd.portion .Iaddend.is deformed in a radiallysymmetrical manner, such that said optical fiber is engaged in acentrally disposed location relative to said optical fiber bore.
 15. Afiberoptic connector assembly device as described in claim 13 wherein aportion of said core member is disposed to project rearwardly from saidhousing member, and said rearwardly projection portion of said coremember is crimped to mechanically engage said optical fiber disposedtherewithin.
 16. A fiberoptic connector assembly device as described inclaim 15, further including a sleeve member being engaged to saidrearwardly projecting portion of said core member, said sleeve memberenclosing portions of said optical fiber and a jacket covering of saidoptical fiber therewithin;said sleeve member being crimped tofrictionally engage said rearwardly projecting portion of said coremember and said jacket portion of said optical fiber. .Iadd.17. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising crimping a rearward portion of thefiberoptic connector about the optical fiber to mechanically engage theoptical fiber therewithin. .Iaddend..Iadd.18. The method of claim 1,further comprising inserting a sleeve member around a rearward portionof the fiberoptic connector such that the sleeve member substantiallysurrounds at least a portion of the optical fiber, and crimping thesleeve member about the rearward portion of the fiberoptic connector andabout the portion of the optical fiber to mechanically join a portion ofthe optical fiber to a portion of the rearward portion of the fiberopticconnector. .Iaddend..Iadd.19. The method of claim 1 wherein a taperedsurface is applied to mechanically deform the deformable portion..Iaddend..Iadd.20. The method of claim 1 wherein a substantiallyconically-shaped surface is applied to mechanically deform thedeformable portion. .Iaddend..Iadd.21. The method of claim 1 wherein thedeformable portion is mechanically deformed such that it substantiallysurrounds at least a portion of the optical fiber. .Iaddend..Iadd.22. Afiberoptic connector made by the method of claim
 21. .Iaddend..Iadd.23.A fiberoptic connector made by the method of claim
 1. .Iaddend..Iadd.24.A device adapted for making a fiberoptic connector with a deformableportion deformed against at least a portion of an optical fiber,comprising:a fiberoptic connector holder adapted to hold a fiberopticconnector and an optical fiber during use; an engaging surface includinga tip having a tapered opening; and a movement system adapted to movethe tip of the engaging surface and the deformable portion of afiberoptic connector in relationship to one another, the movement beingwith enough force to deform the deformable portion against at least aportion of an optical fiber during use such that the optical fiber isfrictionally adhered to the fiberoptic connector, wherein the deformableportion comprises a metal, and wherein the deformable portion issubstantially uniformly swaged around the portion of the optical fiber..Iaddend..Iadd.25. The device of claim 24 wherein the movement systemincludes a handle coupled to a lever, the lever being in turn coupled tothe engaging surface and the handle and lever being adapted to move theengaging surface when the handle is manually operated during use..Iaddend..Iadd.26. The device of claim 24, further comprising a framethe engaging surface and the fiberoptic connector holder being coupledto the frame during use. .Iaddend..Iadd.27. The device of claim 25wherein the opening on the tip of the engaging surface is substantiallyconically shaped. .Iaddend..Iadd.28. The device of claim 24 wherein thefiberoptic connector holder is adapted to hold a portion of an opticalfiber in a substantially central location within a bore of thefiberoptic connector during use. .Iaddend..Iadd.29. The device of claim24 wherein the fiberoptic connector holder is adapted to hold thefiberoptic connector, and an optical fiber within the fiberopticconnector, in a substantially stationary position while the engagingsurface is pressed against the fiberoptic connector during use..Iaddend..Iadd.30. The device of claim 29 wherein the fiberopticconnector holder includes a stop that is adapted to engage thefiberoptic connector during use such that the fiberoptic connector doesnot move when pressed by the engaging surface during use..Iaddend..Iadd.31. The device of claim 24 wherein the engaging surfaceis slidably engaged on a rail such that the engaging surface is inalignment with a tip of a fiberoptic connector during use..Iaddend..Iadd.32. The device of claim 24, further comprising afiberoptic connector being held by the fiberoptic connector holder, thefiberoptic connector including an optical fiber disposed within it..Iaddend..Iadd.33. The device of claim 24 wherein the device is adaptedto join a fiberoptic connector and an optical fiber together without useof a liquid adhesive. .Iaddend.